UPDATE
05 Sep 2024
We are pleased the Scottish Government has reinstated the funding to enable Creative Scotland to reopen the Open Fund for Individuals. Thank you to everyone who added their voice, spoke out on this matter and helped drive positive change. Eden Court will continue to advocate for Scotland's creative industries and artistic communities.
Eden Court has joined over 150 Scottish arts organisations in signing an open letter to the Scottish Government expressing our deep concern over the abrupt closure of the Open Fund for Individuals, the primary route to public funding for Scottish Artists to develop their projects.
Open Letter to First Minister John Swinney, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes & Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, External Affairs & Culture, Angus Robertson
We, the undersigned representatives of Scottish arts organisations and festivals, are writing to express our grave and deep concern over the Scottish Government's failure to provide certainty surrounding the £6.6 million Grant in Aid budget for Creative Scotland.
In direct consequence, Creative Scotland has announced the abrupt closure of the Open Fund for Individuals, the primary route to public funding for Scottish Artists to develop their projects.
The closure of this vital fund is nothing short of a crisis for the Scottish arts community and directly contravenes the government’s own Action Plan 2023, which states: “it is vital that all eligible organisations and practitioners have the opportunity to apply for support”
The Open Fund for Individuals is not just a financial resource—it is the cornerstone of independent artistic creation in Scotland, supporting the livelihoods of countless artists. Without it, many artists are left without the means to continue their work.
This risks sending a stark message out to the world: Scottish arts is closed for business.
In the same month as the global spotlight is on Scotland's vibrant cultural scene through the Edinburgh Festivals, this cessation of support for local artists is particularly devastating.
Eden Court is offering application support to Highland-based artists currently working on Creative Scotland applications prior to the 30 Aug deadline. We are also offering a communal supportive space for artists to come together.
For further information please contact [email protected]